Lowering the Model 3

[SPYN2NR]

Called Eibach today, 7/12/2018 and was told they still do NOT have a set of lowering springs for the Model 3. Perhaps a couple more weeks.

I have been playing with rear axle wheel spacers and have a set that is “plug and play” from USADAPTERS.COM. (909) 890-0217, I was contacted by Richard. The spacers are made in the USA (San Bernardino, California) and I love the quality. It is both hubcentric to the axle and to the wheel and comes with the proper size lug bolts. It spaces the real wheels out 1.1 inches 27.9mm and works perfectly on a Model 3. My Model 3 has NO suspension mods and the 18” stock wheels. Other combinations of suspension mods and/or wheel sizes HAVE NOT been checked out.

Most advertised wheel spacers are not hubcentric for both the axle and wheel and are usually 1” or 25mm thick. Using those spacers will require grinding down the lug bolts on th car, something we should NOT do.

Check out before and after pics:

BEFORE:



USADAPTERS SPACER


AFTER:


USADAPTERS.COM
(909) 890-0217

I really like them!!!

 

[Allb18c]

Just got these. Will post before and after next week.

 

[mpt]

Just installed my TSportline springs and added 15mm spacers from BLOX Sport. Looking good?

I think it's just the right amount of drop plus offset to balance it.

 

[Allb18c]

Any more shots from the rear?

 

[mpt]

From the rear quarter, let me know what else you need.

 

[mpt]

And some closeups to show the offset:

 

[atlas310]

And some closeups to show the offset:

How does the ride feel? And those are 20" wheels?

 

[mpt]

The ride is unchanged, turn in is still sharp. Actually, it may be just upgrade joy but, it feels more solid, less 'loose' over rough surface than before.

The wheels are the standard 19" that came with the car, power coated.

 

[Allb18c]

A couple closer shots to see the gap reduction would be awesome if you can. Like a foot away.

 

[juanmedina]

Tsportline vs Unplugged Performance. Which springs are better?

 

[atlas310]

The wheels are the standard 19" that came with the car, power coated.

Oh, duh. I've been looking for pics of lowered 19"s bc I don't want to deal with constantly changing tires. Actually looks really good.

 

[Allb18c]

Tsportline vs Unplugged Performance. Which springs are better?

Thats like saying do you prefer Tabasco or Cholula hot sauce. Its really a matter of preference and both products have plenty of literature on it. I'm going with the TSports because the 1.5" drop on the Unplugged is too low for me. I live in a state where it snows so it will come in handy on those heavy days.

 

[juanmedina]

Thats like saying do you prefer Tabasco or Cholula hot sauce. Its really a matter of preference and both products have plenty of literature on it. I'm going with the TSports because the 1.5" drop on the Unplugged is too low for me. I live in a state where it snows so it will come in handy on those heavy days.

Not really

 

[pandam3]

MPT that looks great,

Any side shots? Not 3/4 view shots, but straight on from the side?

How is the clearance? Can you take driveways straight on still? Or you need to angle a bit?

Those spacers lookg great too.

 

[mpt]

Tsportline vs Unplugged Performance. Which springs are better?

I initially tried the Unplugged Moderates. I _think_ there may have been a reduction in steering feel but I didn't really put it on a track or have an expert asses it, the TSportline springs feel like native Tesla. For me the drop on the moderates was just a bit too much.

Ground clearance is ordinary, no different from other cars, certainly greater than my Roadster!

Here are the photos for Stock, unplugged moderate and TSportline:

 

[slade037]

Thank you for these pictures. It has really helped me decide on which to go with. This was a great help!

 

[MountainPass]

Looks great! Those spacers look like the right offset to not hurt efficiency. We'll be doing a test soon with a ton of different spacer thicknesses to find the ideal offset for aero efficiency.

I suspect it is around 10mm out from factory, but I'm just guessing

 

[mpt]

We'll be doing a test soon with a ton of different spacer thicknesses to find the ideal offset for aero efficiency.

I'll look forward to seeing that, my back-of-an-envelope calculations/guestimate concluded that if you lower the suspension and the wheels move up into the body by 25mm, the outward widening of 15mm should put them roughly back out as much.

 

[T34ME]

Looks great! Those spacers look like the right offset to not hurt efficiency. We'll be doing a test soon with a ton of different spacer thicknesses to find the ideal offset for aero efficiency.

I suspect it is around 10mm out from factory, but I'm just guessing

One owner said that he had to go 27mm in the rear to avoid the necessity of grinding/cutting the studs, which I want to avoid. Can you please verify? Gracias.

 

[dhu1]

Looks great! Those spacers look like the right offset to not hurt efficiency. We'll be doing a test soon with a ton of different spacer thicknesses to find the ideal offset for aero efficiency.

I suspect it is around 10mm out from factory, but I'm just guessing

@MountainPass I am considering switching over to your comfort coilovers from Unplugged springs. I am finding limited travel in suspension is making the ride too harsh and the Unplugged springs to big of a drop.

Couples of quick questions
1) with the coilovers, is it necessary to replace the camber arms and toe arms? Wouldn’t the camber suffice?
2) what is your recommended drop to reduce wheel gap.,..i read that you are recommending a 30-35mm drop in ride height..which would equate to 1.2 in drop—is that correct?
3). Please provide your recommended spacer thickness

Any other recommendations to allow for a lowered car, but with a softer ride for city driving with not so smooth roads?

Thanks